Miniature rose plant named `Micpal`

ABSTRACT

This new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant is characterized by blended yellow and orange buds and blooms, with hues depending upon light intensity and heat intensity. The plant is characterized further by its vigorous, upright growth, and semi-glossy green foliage.

BACKGROUND OF NEW VARIETY

The present introduction of a new and distinct variety of rose plant ofthe miniature rose class, which was created by my crossing as seedparent the miniature rose "Orange Honey" (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,496) andas pollen parent an unnamed miniature rose seedling, has the varietaldenomination of "Micpal".

Among the distinguishing characteristics possessed by this new varietywhich separate it from its parents and all other varieties of which I amaware are abundant yellow and orange blended blooms on a vigorous plantwith abundant foliage.

The present variety of miniature rose was originated by me in LaurensCounty, S.C. Asexual reproduction by cuttings of the new variety asperformed by me in Laurens County, S.C., has shown conclusively that theforegoing and other distinguishing characteristics come true to form andare established and faithfully transmitted through succeedingpropogations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying photograph shows typical specimens of the vegetativegrowth and flowers of the new variety in different stages of developmentand as depicted in color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible tomake the same in a color photograph of this character.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF NEW VARIETY

The following is a detailed description of my new rose variety, withcolor terminology is accordance with the plate numbers of The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart except where common dictionary termsof color definitions are employed.

Breeding: Seedling.

Seed parent.--Orange Honey (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,496).

Pollen parent.--Unnamed miniature seedling.

Class: Miniature rose.

Variety: Micpal.

Blooming habit: Continuous.

The following observations were made from specimens grown outdoors inLaurens Country, S.C., U.S.A., in September 1993.

FLOWER

A. Bud:

(1) Size.--Circumference -- 2 to 2.5 inches. Diameter -- 3/8 to 1/2inch.

(2) Form.--High centered urn shape.

(3) Color.--When sepals first divide -- 20C with 28A visible along thevery edge of the first petals. When petals begin to unfurl -- 21Dflushed with 28C. Half-blown: inside of petals -- 21D at the base ofpetal blends with 33B toward the center of the petal and shades to 34Bon the outer edge of the petals. reverse side of petals -- 14B with abush of 34B on the petal edge.

(4) Sepals.--Extending from 1/8 to 1/4 inch beyond tip of bud beforeopening. Very slightly foliated. Sepal color is 137D outerside and 138Cinside.

(5) Peduncle.--Length: 1 to 1.5 inches. Aspect: Generally smooth andstraight. Strength: Erect. Color: New Growth -- 185B. Old growth --137B.

B. Bloom:

(1) Size.--Average size when fully expanded: 2 inches.

(2) Bonne.--Singly, occasionally with two side buds.

(3) Form.--High centered blooms. Outer 2 or 3 rows of petals arequilled. Inner petals more reflexed.

(4) Petalage.--Number of petals under normal conditions: 20-25.

(5) Color(during first days).--Inner surface of petals at center offlower -- 10B flushed with 32C. Inner surface of outer petals -- 10Cflushed with 29A. Base of petals (point of attachment) -- 15D.Underside/petal reverse -- 14C slightly blushed with 33C. Generaltonality from a distance -- 10C blended with 32D.

(6) Color change.--As bloom ages -- All colors become lighter shadeswith the base of the petals being 5D and the remaining part of the petalfading to 29C/D.

C. Petals:

(1) Texture.--Soft, medium thickness.

(2) Appearance.--Inside -- velvety, outside -- satiny.

(3) Form.--Oval shaped.

(4) Arrangement.--Regular.

(5) Petaloids in center.--Six or less.

(6) Persistence.--Do not drop off cleanly.

(7) Fragrance.--None.

(8) Lasting quality.--On the plant -- 3 to 5 days, depending on theweather. As a cut flower -- 2 to 4 days.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

A. Stamen, filaments and anthers:

(1) Arrangement.--Regularly arranged around styles, shorter than styles.

(2) Color.--14C.

B. Pollen: Color: 25B.

C. Styles: Medium length, bunched, generally same length.

D. Stigmas: Color: 154C.

E. Hips:

Shape.--Round.

Size.--Generally 1/2 inch diameter.

Color.--23B when mature. Seeds do not protrude.

PLANT

A. Form: Upright.

B. Growth: Vigorous.

Height attained.--Average of 2 feet.

C. Foliage: Compound normally of 3 to 5 leaflets.

(1) Size.--Medium.

(2) Quantity.--Abundant.

(3) Color.--New foliage: upper side: 143A edged with 61A. under side:61A. Old foliage: upper side: 137B. under side: 138B.

(4) Shape.--Leaflets are teardrop shaped.

(5) Texture.--Upper side -- Smooth with indented veins. Under side --Raised veins.

(6) Edge.--Serrated.

(7) Serration.--Uniform indentations.

(8) Leaf stem.--Color: Upper side: 137C. Under side: 137D.

(9) Stipules.--Short, not bearded.

(10) Resistance to disease.--Blackspot -- Good. Mildew -- Good Rust --Good.

D. Wood:

(1) New wood.--Color -- 181A. Bark -- Smooth.

(2) Old wood.--Color -- 139C. Bark -- Slightly rough.

E. Thorns (prickles):

(1) Thorns (prickles).--Quantity: On main basals/stalks -- few Onbasal/stalk laterals -- usually 1-3 at each internode Form: Flat base,pointed almost straight out from stem. Length: Medium (1/4 inch). Color:(when young) 46A. Position: Irregular.

(2) Prickles.--On petiole -- Generally 2 to 3 On underside of leafletveins -- Few to none These prickles have the same appearance andcharacter but normally are half the overall size of the thorns/prickleson the main and lateral basals/stalks.

F. Winter hardiness: Protection is needed below 10 degrees Farenheit;mounding canes with soil on leaves should provide the needed protection.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the miniatureclass, substantially as herein shown and described, characterizedparticularly by blooms of blended yellow and orange coloration of whichvaries with light and heat intensity and borne on an upright andvigorous plant with semi-glossy greenlish-purple new foliage andsemi-glossy green old foliage, said plant being easy to propagate fromcuttings, and said blooms being long-lasting on the plant and as cutflowers.